Boris Johnson Says Eligible People Over 18 Can Get A Booster Jab Before 2021 Ends

Boris Johnson has revealed that eligible people over the age of 18 will be allowed to get a coronavirus booster jab before the end of 2021.

With the looming threat of the Omicron variant, the UK government wants to make sure as many people as possible have as much protection as possible against the mutation.

As long as it's been three months or longer since a person's second jab, they will be permitted to get a booster.

"We're now facing an emergency in our battle with the new variant, Omicron," the Prime Minister said in an address to the Kingdom.

"We must urgently reinforce our wall of vaccine protection to keep our friends and loved ones safe. We know from bitter experience how these exponential curves develop.

"No one should be in any doubt there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming."

He explained how Omicron infections are now doubling every two to three days in the UK and said two doses simply isn't enough protection against this new strain.

"I'm afraid it is now clear that two doses of vaccine are simply not enough to give a good level of protection," he warned.

"But the good news is that our scientists are confident that with a third dose, a booster dose, we can all bring our level of protection back up.

"I know there will be some people watching who will be asking whether Omicron is less severe than previous variants, and whether we really need to go out and get that booster.

"And the answer is yes, we do. Do not make the mistake of thinking Omicron can't hurt you. It can make you and your loved ones seriously ill.

"We've already seen hospitalisations doubling in a week in South Africa. And we have patients with Omicron in hospital here in the UK right now."

It comes after the UK Covid Alert Level was increased from Level 3 to Level 4 due to a 'rapid increase' in the number of people testing positive for the Omicron variant.

Mr Johnson warned that other NHS appointments might have to be cancelled to make room for more booster vaccines.

Following the revelation that booster shots would be available to eligible for over 18 year olds, the NHS portal for booking vaccine appointments said it was experiencing 'technical difficulties'.